The HP/Agilent 83623L is a synthesized swept-CW generator delivering precise signal generation from 10 MHz to 20 GHz with +15 dBm calibrated output power. Built for receiver testing, system verification, and microwave circuit characterization, this instrument combines the frequency accuracy of a synthesized source with the flexibility of multiple sweep modes and fast switching performance.
## Technical Specifications
**Frequency Range:** 10 MHz to 20 GHz
**Output Power:**
• Calibrated Output: +15 dBm
• Minimum Settable Output Power (with Option 001): -110 dBm
• Power Sweep Range: -20 dBm to maximum available power
**Signal Purity:**
• Harmonics: -50 dBc at frequencies < 20 GHz (typical)
• SSB Phase Noise: <-80 dBc at 10 GHz with 10 kHz offset
**Accuracy and Stability:**
• Frequency Resolution: 1 Hz (with Option 008)
• Temperature Stability: 0.01 dB/°C (typical)
• Aging Rate: 5 × 10⁻¹⁰ per day
• Temperature Operating Range: 15 °C to 35 °C for specified accuracy
**Switching and Sweep Characteristics:**
• Switching Time (no attenuator change): 10 ms (typical)
• Switching Time (within frequency band): 15 ms + (step size/1 GHz) × 5 ms
• Sweep Modes: CW, Step, List, Manual Sweep, Ramp Sweep
• Points per Table: 2 to 801
• Dwell Time: 100 µs to 3.2 s
**Pulse Modulation:**
• Available for output frequencies ≥ 400 MHz
• Option 002: Adds 30 ns delay and ±5 ns pulse compression for external inputs
## Key Features
• 1 Hz frequency resolution option for demanding metrology applications
• Step attenuator option extends dynamic range to -110 dBm
• Multiple sweep modes support complex measurement sequences
• Fast 10 ms switching enables rapid frequency changes
• Low phase noise and harmonic content suit sensitive receiver validation
## Typical Applications
• Receiver sensitivity and selectivity testing
• Component and subsystem characterization
• Frequency response measurements across microwave bands
• Modulated signal generation for system-level validation
## Compatibility & Integration
• GPIB bus control and power meter input
• Manual frequency entry
• User flatness power correction supported
• Option 001: Step Attenuator
• Option 002: External pulse modulation with delay and compression
• Option 004: Front-rear panel output retrofit kit
• Option 008: 1 Hz frequency resolution
• Firmware upgrade kits available for CPU assemblies
